Peter Cuneo, former president and CEO of Marvel, shares his remarkable journey of turning around struggling businesses. He reveals critical elements like the power of organizational culture and effective communication in revivals. Discussing the bold decision to cast Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, he underscores the necessity of radical choices in transformation. Cuneo also reflects on the thrill and stress of leadership during corporate crises, emphasizing the importance of knowing when to step back to allow new growth.

Today, Marvel is one of the most substantial forces in American media, but when Peter Cuneo joined the company as CEO in 1999, it was a struggling publishing house teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. Ten years later, Disney bought Marvel for $4.5 billion. Cuneo tells his unlikely origin story and how he became the "turnaround superhero." See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Peter Cuneo, the former CEO who revitalized Marvel Entertainment from bankruptcy to a lucrative Disney acquisition, shares his journey and insights. He discusses the art of admitting mistakes in leadership and how vulnerability fosters loyalty. Cuneo reveals his 32 leadership principles, emphasizing transparency and emotional maturity. He recounts Marvel's transformation, highlighting innovative strategies that unlocked its potential and changed the landscape of cinematic storytelling. Tune in for lessons in turnaround leadership and the power of a strong corporate culture.

Today, Marvel is one of the most substantial forces in American media, but when Peter Cuneo joined the company as CEO in 1999, it was a struggling publishing house teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. Ten years later, Disney bought Marvel for $4.5 billion. Cuneo tells his unlikely origin story and how he became the "turnaround superhero." See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Peter Cuneo, CEO of Marvel, shares his turnaround story of transforming the struggling publishing house into a multi-billion dollar company. Topics include the importance of admitting mistakes and showing vulnerability in leadership, a life-changing decision, turning around a struggling international division, Marvel's income and lack of movies in the 90s, the transition to films and new financing, the importance of never thinking you've seen it all before in leadership, and the debate over innate versus learned leadership.